BY NANCY GAGNET | MIRROR REPORTER — Since the early 1900s, GenoaBank has been serving customers in Northwest Ohio with one main goal: to meet the financial needs of the communities in which GenoaBank resides and draws its life. With a firm presence in the region, GenoaBank provides financial services to customers and businesses in Lucas, Wood, Sandusky and Ottawa counties. “The relationship we have with our customers means a lot, because decisions are being made locally by people right here in Northwest Ohio and that makes a huge difference,” said Kristinna Clauson, assistant vice president and manager of GenoaBank’s Maumee branch. GenoaBank encourages involvement in the local community, which is why the bank on Conant Street has been a longtime member of the Maumee Uptown Business Association, among many civic groups. “As a bank we believe that it is vital to play our part within the community. It helps to grow those important connections and determine how to best serve our customers,” Clauson said. The bank provides multiple financial services, including both personal and business checking account and savings account services, auto loans, mortgage loans, home equity loans, CDs, IRAs and ATM/debit cards. The bank also offers services such as: credit cards, safe deposit boxes, online and mobile banking, courier service, overdraft protection and notary public services. GenoaFinancial, which is housed at the bank’s Oregon branch location, offers financial investment services. For those customers with credit card debt, the bank can assist in getting back on good financial footing with debt consolidation loan services. Car loans are also offered as a way to purchase a car without the high pressure of extra protection add-ons that often come with loans at auto dealership loan sites, Clauson said. “When people think about credit cards, they don’t consider going to a bank to talk about an unsecured loan. And when they buy a car, they might not think about going to the bank where they have a checking account,” she said. “I am more than happy to walk them through the process. At GenoaBank, we offer a variety of individualized loan programs to meet the diverse needs of individuals, professionals, and businesses. We are committed to making a difference with friendly, accessible and professional staff who will address your loan needs promptly and efficiently with competitive loan rates.” In addition to Maumee, other area GenoaBank branches are located in Perrysburg/Rossford, Mill-bury, Oregon, Port Clinton/Catawba, Elmore and Sylvania. The corporate office is located in Genoa, which means senior management is close by. “If we need a decision and we want to sit down and talk one on one with someone from the corporate office, we can do that,” Clauson said. “I really think that is why we stand above some of the other competition, because we have that ability to go right to the source.” While the bank serves all types of customers, small business is at the heart of the Maumee branch. Being able to tailor bank services based on client needs and commercial climate is an important part of the process, said GenoaBank president, chairman and CEO Marty Sutter. “As a locally owned community bank, we lend strength to our communities by helping local businesses grow and succeed. Small businesses remain the backbone of this country and we strongly believe in re-investing in the neighborhoods that we live, work and play in,” he said. Clauson has worked in the financial industry for more than 20 years, and has worked at GenoaBank for four years. “I love the community, I love the customers. Everyone is so friendly here,” she said. “Maumee is growing and I feel that there is just so much opportunity to educate the community on what GenoaBank can provide. Honesty and integrity goes a long way because people need to trust you.”